Word of Wisdom

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which church is often misnamed the Mormon Church) are taught that bodies are gifts from God and that keeping them healthy and pure is an important part of being able to progress spiritually. God gave guidelines to the Prophet Joseph Smith to help us take care of our bodies. This health code is most often referred to in the Church as the Word of Wisdom. It was given by revelation to Joseph Smith in 1833, when Joseph was concerned about the use of chewing tobacco. He inquired of the Lord concerning the matter and received a revelation now found in Doctrine and Covenants section 89.The guidelines given in the Word of Wisdom with regard to food and drink were put in place to give followers better lifestyles, free from addiction and many possible health problems. Guidelines include that members should not partake of “strong drinks,” meaning liquor or “hot drinks,” which Hyrum Smith further clarified to mean tea and coffee. In the area of food, the revelation taught that grains, fruit, and wholesome herbs were created for the use of man and should be eaten in their season. Meat should be eaten sparingly, and grain is the staff of life and is good to eat.God also gave revelation to Joseph Smith about tobacco, since this was the original item in question. In the revelation, Joseph was taught that tobacco is not meant for man to use. At the time, the long-term effects of tobacco use were unknown, but now it is obvious that tobacco is harmful. Modern prophets have also included drugs and addictive substances as substances that should be avoided. The Word of Wisdom also guides members to exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Any doctor reading the Word of Wisdom today would endorse it as an effective guide to good overall health.

God promised that the people who followed this revelation would be healthy, have control over their bodies and minds, and be able to have the Holy Ghost with them. Sexual purity is also an important part of following God’s commands and gaining peace and happiness in this life.

In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these men declared by divine inspiration: “The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.” This commandment is most often referred to as the “law of chastity.” This law helps a person have self-respect, increases the love in a marriage, protects reproductive health, and protects the family. A sexual sin is considered very serious by God, because it destroys the sanctity of the gift of creating life.Other Links:

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